This is a description.

The first part of the Evolution of Psychotherapy is called Existential Therapy: Perspectives on the Therapeutic Relationship. The discussant is Miriam Polster, PhD. Carol Kershaw is an EdD.

Existential psychotherapy is not a school of therapy, but a therapy that is informed by a sensitivity to the issues of the day. In our confrontation with death, meaninglessness, freedom, and isolation, it addresses the anxiety embedded in our consciousness of the parameters of existence. I will discuss the concerns with the greatest relevance. I will discuss the implications for the conduct of therapy and the relationship with patients. There is need for genuineness and authenticity. Both the therapist and patient are travelers. A therapy which avoids diagnosis, avoids technique, avoids merger, demands therapist transparency, and focuses on the here and now is described by me. I explain the reasons behind the here-and-now. I will describe how to work in the here-and-now, from content to process, dreams, therapist self-disclosure, sexuality, and the removal of resistances to therapist-patient intimacy.

The educational objectives are listed.

1. To list the four ultimate existential concerns.
2. To describe the power of these concerns in psychotherapy.
3. To illustrate how to relate authentically to the patient.

Session may be edited to preserve confidentiality.